Must-Read Christmas Romance Stories
‘Tis the season for holiday romance!
What is it about a Christmas romance novel that sets hearts aflutter? Is it the cozy, feel-good escape from real life? Of capturing a little spark of magical romance in our own lives? Or could it be that they provide a comforting sense of security and hope combined with nostalgia and the desire for connection during a special time of year? Perhaps because they’re fun and offer a relief from holiday stress?
Featuring stories of love and happiness set against the backdrop of “the most wonderful time of the year,” Christmas love stories can help readers find their Christmas spirit and experience the magic and wonder of the season.
So follow us to places where the mistletoe hangs, Christmas trees twinkle, and fireplaces glow with dancing flames as we explore some of the Top Christmas Romance Books now available for the 2025 holiday season.
All reader types welcome, not just Modern Romantics. 🎁
The List of Seasonal Romance Novels Include:
- Christmas
- Holiday
- Rom-Coms
- Cozy
- LGBTQ
Which are you going to read?
The Best Christmas Romance Novels
Holiday Ever After
by Hannah Grace
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Icebreaker, a sparkling and cozy holiday romance set in an ambitious small town.
This sparkling holiday romance follows Clara Davenport, who wants to solve Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. However, according to Jack Kelly, Clara is Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. Clara has a plan to win over the community only to realize that beneath Jack’s frosty demeanor lies the key to the town’s heart—and maybe her own.
Once Upon a Christmas Carol: A Christmas Novella
by Melody Carlson
What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?
Being born on Christmas Day and growing up in dysfunction has turned Carol Langstrom into a modern-day Scrooge. Her plan to spend this Christmas in the Bahamas is thwarted by bad weather and her flight is redirected to Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas in this novella rooted in Christian faith and woven with sweet romance.
The Best Holiday Romance Novels:
Yours for the Season
by Emily Stone
A charming holiday romance from the author of Always, in December and A Winter Wish.
Could a fake relationship with your ex over Christmas in Scotland be the perfect opportunity for revenge—or a second chance at love? One woman is about to find out in this heart-tugging, heart-warming holiday romance.
Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon
by Matthew Norman
"Norman weaves nostalgic references to modern holiday classics . . . throughout this comforting romance."--The Washington Post (Noteworthy Books of the Month)
A sentimental advertising creative and a blunt, no-nonsense bar owner, both widowed, find a second chance at love while binge-watching iconic holiday movies in this poignant and heartwarming romance.
Date Night in December
by Jaqueline Snowe
'Tis the season for second chances in this charming and delightful festive romcom--perfect for fans of Maggie Knox and Jenny Bayliss.
Convinced her marriage to her work-obsessed husband is over, Laney Reynolds retreats to the small town where she grew up. However, Connor’s not giving up on his marriage. Can he prove that being a CEO is nowhere near as important as being Lauren’s husband?
New Year's Eve at Serendipity Springs
by Ella Score
A sweet romance about healing hearts, finding family, and learning to trust again. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs.
A tender, uplifting story of second chances and small-town charm, New Year's Eve at Serendipity Springs will leave you believing in hope, home, and happily ever after.
Best Christmas Rom-Com Novels
A Ruff Royal Christmas: A festive, funny, feel-good Christmas romantic comedy from the writer of Netflix's hit A Christmas Prince
by Karen Schaler
The Princess Diaries meets Gilmore Girls in this new Christmas romance from Karen Schaler, the Emmy Award-winning writer of the Netflix hit A Christmas Prince.
A hilarious and heartwarming Christmas romantic comedy sparkling with royalty, holiday romance, and a mischievous pup who changes everything. This feel-good romance includes exclusive Christmas activities and recipes from the author, like the one below.
Skydovia Christmas Butter Balls
“This is a fast and simple recipe that’s inspired by a holiday favorite at Skydovia’s Christmas market in my romantic comedy A Ruff Royal Christmas. I hope it becomes one of your new family favorites, too! The best part, besides being delicious, is that it’s super easy to make during the hectic holiday season. Enjoy!” — Karen Schaler
Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
½ cup powdered sugar for dough & ½ cup for rolling after baked
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Prep Time: 10 Min Cook Time: 8-10 Min Servings: 24 cookies
Instructions:
Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (not greased).
2. Spoon flour into a measuring cup so it doesn’t get too packed down and level off the top with a knife.
3. In a medium bowl, add flour and salt and whisk together.
4. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add flour mixture to large bowl. Mix only until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Stir in walnuts.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden (tops will stay pale).
9. Let cool 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.
10. Roll in a bowl of ½ cup powdered sugar.
KAREN’S TIP:
If your cookies spread, avoid overmixing the dough and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour before baking.
OPTIONAL FESTIVE IDEAS:
• After 5 minutes, roll in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy effect!
• Add red and green sprinkles to the powdered sugar.
• Add finely crushed candy canes to the powdered sugar.
Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
by Meghan Quinn
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a brand new holiday rom-com with all the humor and heat her fans adore.
Cue the holiday chaos.
Nothing says “I love you” like trespassing, public humiliation, and a town-wide Christmas spectacle to win back your crush in this steamy, hilarious, small-town festival rom-com.
A Spell for Midwinter's Heart
by Morgan Lockhart
“A magical delight of a debut brimming with cozy magic and yuletide charm” (Jenny Bayliss), this holiday romance with an enchanting twist follows a magic-averse witch returning home to save her small town’s beloved winter festival in time for the holidays with the help of her estranged coven and distractingly handsome childhood rival.
The Best Cozy Christmas Romance Reads:
Snow Kissed
by Raeanne Thayne
"RaeAnne Thayne will capture your heart with her beautiful, touching stories." --Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River series
'Tis the season for a little white lie…
Escape to Shelter Springs in New York Times bestselling author Thayne’s joyful new grumpy-sunshine Christmas romance with a twist, about found family, the power of love, and the magic of the holidays.
The Best Christmas Choir Ever: A Spicy Cozy Holiday Romance
by Elizabeth Hrib
“A swoony, often laugh-out-loud read about believing in yourself and taking chances.” --Library Journal on Meet Me in a Mile
The Best Christmas Choir Ever is a spicy, fast-paced romance you can read in one sitting.
When soprano Charlie helps move her grandmother into a retirement village, she’s roped into leading their music program by her old summer fling in this cozy holiday romance that mixes a dash of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with a pinch of Pitch Perfect.
Christmas People
by Iva-Marie Palmer
The Seven Year Slip meets Hallmark with a dash of sass and a sprinkle of sexiness in this sparkling Christmas rom com...with a speculative twist!
Amazing New LGBTQ Holiday Romance Books:
A Mannequin for Christmas
by Timothy Janovsky
A Christmas romance for Barbie fans who wished Ken and Allan got their own love story.
Henry Aster’s wish for “The Perfect Man” near Christmas comes true when one of the mannequins in his vintage shop comes to life. But if this magicked man doesn’t experience true human love before midnight on New Year’s Eve, he will turn back into a mannequin forever.
Make You Mine This Christmas
by Lizzie Huxley Jones
'Joyous, funny and full of warm, relatable characters, this is the queer Christmas rom-com I've been waiting for' LAURA KAY
Everyone believes she and Christopher are madly in love and spending the festive season with his family in the English countryside. To save her new friend from embarrassment - and with no better plans of her own - Haf agrees to go along with the ruse.
Until she meets Kit: Christopher's mysterious, magnetic and utterly irresistible sister.
She can't possibly fall for her fake boyfriend's sister this Christmas . . . can she?
Go Luck Yourself: A Royals and Romance Novel
by Sara Raasch
It's enemies to lovers in this sexy and delightful holiday mash up that pairs the spare prince of Christmas with the crown prince of St. Patrick's Day!
Someone has been stealing Christmas's joy, and there's only one clue to the culprit--a single shamrock.
Of course, there are other genres of Christmas romance stories to explore, including historical, fantasy and paranormal, inspirational and Christian, mystery, and science fiction. Love can bloom in almost any setting. However, there’s just something enchanting about a story in which two characters are brought together through the magic of Christmas. So, experience the magic yourself this season with one of these holiday romance novels.